INDIANAPOLIS - s4story -- The INAD Warriors celebrated a remarkable evening of generosity, community and inspiration at its 4th Annual "Dancing with the INAD Stars" Gala, held Saturday, August 22, at the historic Indiana Roof Ballroom. The event brought together individuals, donors and business sponsors from across the community in a shared mission to fight Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD) and help advance urgently needed research toward a clinical trial for gene therapy.

Inspired by 6-year-old Warner Kays, a local boy diagnosed with INAD in 2022, the evening served as a powerful reminder of the children and families at the heart of the foundation's mission.

The INAD Warriors foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of INAD and generating critical funding to support researchers around the world who are working to develop a path toward a clinical trial for gene therapy. INAD is a rare, devastating neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects very young children, making the need for research and treatment options especially urgent.

This year's gala was an unforgettable night of entertainment and philanthropy, featuring eight local stars who trained for months to choreography provided by the legendary 5 Star Dance Studios.  The stars and their professional partners took to the dance floor to entertain the crowd and compete for top honors before a panel of judges. Guests were wowed by the creativity, energy and enthusiasm of the performances, making for an evening unlike any other.

The evening also featured both silent and live auctions, giving guests additional opportunities to support the foundation's mission while enjoying an extraordinary night together.

A Surprise $50,000 Gift

One of the evening's most memorable moments came when Randy Miller, Regional Vice President of Fastenal, surprised the foundation with a $50,000 donation in support of the INAD Warriors mission.

In recognition of Fastenal's extraordinary commitment to the foundation and its generosity in advancing the fight against INAD, INAD Warriors President Heather Prentice presented Mr. Miller and Fastenal with the foundation's first Elite Sponsor Award.

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"Fastenal's generosity and commitment to the INAD Warriors foundation is truly extraordinary," said Heather Prentice, President of the INAD Warriors foundation. "Randy Miller and the entire Fastenal team have demonstrated what it means to stand alongside our families and researchers in the fight against INAD. We are incredibly grateful for their belief in our mission and their willingness to help us move closer to a future where children like Warner have treatment options."

More Than $219,000 Raised

Thanks to the incredible generosity of guests, donors, sponsors and supporters, the 2026 gala far exceeded the foundation's fundraising goals, generating more than $219,000 in gross proceeds.

The success builds on the significant impact of previous INAD Warriors Gala fundraisers. Past events have helped provide $70,000 toward a $100,000 joint research grant with the NBIA Disorders Association supporting biomarker research, as well as a $67,000 grant toward the NBIAcure PLANReady Natural History Study. Contributions from the foundation have also helped support individual families affected by INAD.

"These funds represent much more than a number," said Prentice. "They represent hope. They allow researchers to continue pursuing answers, help build the foundation necessary for clinical trials, and remind families affected by INAD that they are not fighting this battle alone."

The foundation expressed its deepest gratitude to the dance professionals, eight star dancers, judges, sponsors, donors, volunteers and every guest who helped make the 4th Annual "Dancing with the INAD Stars" Gala such a tremendous success.

For Warner and children like him, the fight continues — and the INAD Warriors community is determined to keep dancing, raising awareness and funding research until a treatment becomes a reality.

ABOUT INAD WARRIORS

INAD Warriors, Inc. is a nonprofit inspired by Warner Kays' courageous journey.  The INAD Warriors, Inc. mission is to raise awareness in the global community about infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) and the related PLA2G6 gene disorders.  Through grassroots fundraising we are empowering the research community to find the first approved treatments to slow progression and potentially one day cure this ultra rare disease.

ABOUT INAD

Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD) is an ultra rare (affects an estimated 1 in 1 million to 2 million children) inherited neurodegenerative disorder. It destroys axons, the part of the neuron (nerve cell) that carries messages from the brain to other parts of the body through buildup of fatty substances (lipids) on the nerves. In the beginning a child with INAD will appear to be developing normally.  But around the ages of 6 months to 3 years developmental milestones will begin to slow down and regress. Some of the first signs and symptoms may be changes in a child's vision, loss of motor skills, and developmental regression.

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ABOUT NBIA DISORDERS ASSOCIATION

Established in 1996, the NBIA Disorders Association provides vital support to NBIA families, educates the public, and collaborates with researchers worldwide. As leaders in family support, they maintain an informative website and host biennial International Family Conferences, fostering connections and promoting knowledge-sharing within the community. To date, NBIA Disorders Association has contributed nearly $3 million in research grants worldwide, dedicated to finding treatments and cures for all NBIA disorders.

ABOUT NBIACURE

NBIAcure is a research-focused organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) disorders. Through research conducted in the laboratory and clinic, NBIAcure supports natural history studies, identifies disease markers, prepares patients and researchers for clinical trials, and collaborates with academic and industry partners to develop new treatments. Its work is helping build the critical scientific foundation needed to move promising therapies from research toward clinical trials and, ultimately, a cure for NBIA disorders.

ABOUT FASTENAL

Fastenal Company is a leading distributor of industrial and construction supplies, serving customers across a broad range of industries through its network of local branches, sales teams, and digital solutions. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, Fastenal helps customers improve productivity and supply-chain efficiency with products, services, and inventory-management solutions tailored to their needs.

ABOUT 5 STAR DANCE STUDIOS

Established over 45 years ago and with locations in Indianapolis and Fishers, 5 Star Dance Studios is dedicated to inspiring confidence, creativity, and a love of dance in students of all ages and skill levels. Through quality instruction, a supportive environment, and opportunities for performance and personal growth, 5 Star Dance Studios help dancers develop their technique while building discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence.